Explore New York City from the Hudson River on a 75-Minute Cruise

The New York City Freedom Liberty Tour offers a quick and affordable way to see some of the city’s most famous landmarks from the water. Priced at $29.99 per person, this 75-minute sightseeing cruise is a practical choice for those wanting impressive views without a long commitment. Departing from 455 12th Ave, the tour provides a relaxed open-air experience with options for indoor seating, WiFi, and a full-service bar.

While the cruise is about an hour and a quarter long, it packs in notable sights like the Statue of Liberty, Freedom Tower, and the Brooklyn Bridge. The tour is especially popular among visitors who want a flexible, budget-friendly way to enjoy scenic views and capture stunning photos. The tour’s strength lies in its efficient route, engaging guides, and the convenience of a free shuttle to major NYC attractions afterward. This tour suits those who prefer a brief but rundown of Manhattan’s waterside landmarks with easy access to other city highlights.

Key Points

Affordable price of $29.99 with a 75-minute duration
Views include Statue of Liberty, Freedom Tower, Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge
Includes WiFi, restroom, and a full-service bar onboard
Post-cruise free shuttle to iconic attractions like Times Square and Central Park
Suitable for most travelers with accessible features and a relaxed pace
Guides are praised for their knowledge and engaging style, especially “Kev-O”

For broader city exploration in New York City, we've covered these other tours

The Starting Point at 455 12th Ave in Manhattan

The tour begins at 455 12th Ave, a location close to public transportation, making it easy to access from various parts of the city. This central departure point ensures a smooth start for visitors staying in different neighborhoods. The tour ends back at the same meeting spot, simplifying logistics for participants. The group size is capped at 500, ensuring a comfortable experience with plenty of room to enjoy the views.

Inside the 75-Minute Sightseeing Cruise on the Hudson River

This cruise provides a relaxing 75-minute journey along the Hudson River, offering ample time to enjoy the scenery and take photos. The boat features an open-air roof deck, providing unobstructed views of the skyline, plus a seated indoor space for those who prefer shelter from the sun or wind. The boat’s amenities include WiFi and a restroom, making the experience convenient and comfortable.

Guests can buy drinks or snacks at the full-service bar, adding a casual touch to the cruise. Although alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, it’s advisable to bring some cash if you plan to tip the crew or buy extra drinks, as some reviews mention a wish for having cash on hand. The vessel remains clean and comfortable, with positive remarks about its stability and friendly staff.

Iconic Landmarks Visible from the Cruise

The itinerary covers multiple unforgettable sights. Passengers get a close-up view of the Statue of Liberty, the centerpiece of the tour, ideal for capturing special photos. The tour also features viewing the Freedom Tower, a modern symbol of resilience, from the water.

Travelers will pass under the Brooklyn Bridge, an iconic structure with perfect photo opportunities, and see the Manhattan Bridge from a new perspective. The guide shares insights into the history and architecture of these landmarks, making the experience both scenic and educational.

The Edge Sky Deck and Hudson Yards Highlights

A standout feature of this tour is the visit to Edge, the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. Suspended in mid-air, Edge offers 360-degree views from a unique vantage point that feels as if you’re floating above the city. The experience of standing on this one-of-a-kind deck adds a thrilling element to the cruise.

The tour also includes a stop at Hudson Yards, a hub of culture, commerce, and cuisine. As a recently developed area, Hudson Yards presents a modern face of Manhattan, offering great photo opportunities and a sense of the city’s ongoing evolution.

While you're exploring New York City, here are other experiences we've looked into

Visiting Ellis Island and Chelsea Market

The itinerary incorporates a stop at Ellis Island, a historic symbol of the American Dream and a site rich with immigration history. This stop adds depth to the tour, connecting visitors with the stories of millions who arrived in the US through New York.

Chelsea Market is another key stop. Originally the Nabisco factory where the Oreo cookie was invented, it now serves as a vibrant food hall, shopping destination, and production space. Its historic brickwork and lively atmosphere make it an interesting spot to explore after the cruise.

Exploring DUMBO, Brooklyn, and Lower Manhattan

The tour includes a view of DUMBO, short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, a neighborhood known for its trendy shops, restaurants, and cobblestone streets. The perspective from the water highlights DUMBO’s unique location beneath the Brooklyn Bridge.

In Lower Manhattan, the tour showcases artistic Greenwich Village, hip Tribeca, Chinatown, and the Financial District. From the boat, travelers get a good look at One World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, with guided commentary providing context and stories behind these landmarks.

Post-Cruise Free Shuttle to NYC Attractions

One of the tour’s most praised features is the free shuttle service after the cruise. This service takes visitors to popular destinations such as Times Square, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and Battery Park. The shuttle makes it easy to extend a day’s sightseeing without extra cost, making this tour a good base for exploring more of NYC.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The meeting point is at 455 12th Ave, conveniently near public transportation options. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with mobility considerations. Service animals are permitted, and most travelers can participate without issue. The tour includes landing and facility fees, fuel surcharge, and offers full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

While parking is not available at the pier, the tour’s proximity to transit helps visitors plan their arrival. The group size allows for an engaging atmosphere, with plenty of space on the vessel for everyone.

The Guide and Guest Experience

The guides receive high praise for their knowledge, humor, and engaging storytelling. Comments highlight “Kev-O” as an outstanding tour guide, bringing the landmarks to life with fun facts and lively commentary. Guests appreciate the informative yet relaxed tone, making the experience enjoyable for all ages.

The boat staff is described as friendly and accommodating, especially for those with mobility needs or who prefer a comfortable, stable ride. The bar offers a variety of drinks and snacks, enhancing the relaxed atmosphere onboard.

Booking and Flexibility

The tour typically sells out 14 days in advance, so early reservations are recommended. The booking process uses a mobile ticket system for convenience. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the scheduled time, providing flexibility if plans change or weather becomes unfavorable.

Final Thoughts on the New York City Freedom Liberty Tour

This affordable, 75-minute cruise offers a convenient way to see some of New York City’s most iconic sights, including Liberty Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Manhattan skyline. The guides’ expertise and humor elevate the experience, making it enjoyable and informative.

While the cruise itself is relatively short, the views are spectacular, and the inclusion of free shuttle transportation after the tour adds significant value. It’s a great choice for first-time visitors or anyone looking for a quick overview of NYC’s waterside highlights.

The main limitations involve the short duration and the potential for background noise during the commentary. However, the clean, comfortable boat and friendly staff help compensate, making this cruise a reliable, fun, and budget-friendly way to enjoy New York from a different perspective.

Ready to Book?

New York City Freedom Liberty Tour

4.5

80% 5-star

“Kev-O is absolutely THE best tour guide. Please tip these guys and gals. They provide a great service, and we're all out here just trying to mak…”

— Yvonne G, Featured

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise lasts approximately 75 minutes, offering enough time to see major landmarks without feeling rushed.

What landmarks will I see?
You’ll see the Statue of Liberty, Freedom Tower, Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and views of Lower Manhattan including neighborhoods like DUMBO and the Financial District.

Is there an indoor seating option?
Yes, the boat has a seated indoor space if you prefer shelter from the sun or wind.

What amenities are included onboard?
Guests enjoy WiFi, a restroom, and a full-service bar where drinks and snacks are available for purchase.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Absolutely, the scenic views and landmarks provide excellent photo opportunities, especially from the open-air roof deck.

What is the post-tour experience?
A free shuttle service transports visitors to major NYC attractions like Times Square, Central Park, and Rockefeller Center.

Is the tour suitable for children or mobility-limited guests?
Yes, the tour is designed to be accessible and suitable for most travelers, with positive feedback about staff friendliness and convenience.

How do I cancel or reschedule?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled tour start. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Are drinks and snacks included?
No, these are available for purchase on board; bringing cash is advised if you wish to tip or buy extras.

Is parking available at the departure point?
No public parking lot is available directly at the pier, but the location is near public transit for easy access.